Judges 5

Judges 5Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Deborah and Barak Sing for the Lord

5 After the battle was over that day, Deborah and Barak sang this song:

2 We praise you, Lord!Our soldiers volunteered,ready to follow you.3 Listen, kings and rulers,while I sing for the Lord,the God of Israel.

4 Our Lord, God of Israel,when you came from Seir,where the Edomites live,5 rain poured from the sky,the earth trembled,and mountains shook.

6 In the time of Shamgarson of Anath,and now again in Jael’s time,roads were too dangerousfor caravans.Travelers had to takethe back roads,7 and villagers couldn’t workin their fields.[a]Then Deborah[b] took command,protecting Israelas a motherprotects her children.

8 The Israelites worshipedother gods,and the gates of their townswere then attacked.[c]But they had no shieldsor spears to fight with.9 I praise you, Lord,and I am gratefulfor those leaders and soldierswho volunteered.10 Listen, everyone!Whether you ride a donkeywith a padded saddleor have to walk.11 Even those who carry water[d]to the animals will tell you,“The Lord has won victories,and so has Israel.”

Then the Lord’s people marcheddown to the town gates12 and said, “Deborah, let’s go!Let’s sing as we march.Barak, capture our enemies.”

13 The Lord’s people who were leftjoined with their leadersand fought at my side.[e]14 Troops came from Ephraim,where Amalekites once lived.Others came from Benjamin;officers and leaderscamefrom Machir and Zebulun.15 The rulers of Issacharcame along with Deborah,and Issachar followed Barakinto the valley.

But the tribe of Reubenwas no help at all![f]16 Reuben, why did you stayamong your sheep pens?[g]Was it to listen to shepherdswhistling for their sheep?No one could figure outwhy Reuben wouldn’t come.[h]17 The people of Gilead stayedacross the Jordan.Why did the tribe of Danremain on their shipsand the tribe of Asherstay along the coastnear the harbors?

18 But soldiers of Zebulunand Naphtalirisked their livesto attack the enemy.[i]19 Canaanite kings fought usat Taanach by the streamnear Megiddo[j]—but they couldn’t rob usof our silver.[k]20 From their pathways in the skythe stars[l] fought Sisera,21 and his soldiers were swept awayby the ancient Kishon River.

I will march on and be brave.

22 Sisera’s horses galloped off,their hoofs thunderingin retreat.

23 The Lord’s angel said,“Put a curse on Meroz Town!Its people refusedto help the Lord fighthis powerful enemies.”

24 But honor Jael,the wife of Heberfrom the Kenite clan.Give more honor to herthan to any other womanwho lives in tents.Yes, give more honor to herthan to any other woman.25 Sisera asked for water,but Jael gave him milk—cream in a fancy cup.26 She reached for a tent-pegand held a hammerin her right hand.And with a blow to the head,she crushed his skull.27 Sisera sank to his kneesand fell dead at her feet.

28 Sisera’s mother looked outthrough her window.“Why is he taking so long?”she asked.“Why haven’t we heardhis chariots coming?”29 She and her wisest womengave the same answer:30 “Sisera and his troopsare finding treasuresto bring back—a woman, or maybe two,for each man,and beautiful dressesfor those women to wear.”[m]

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